DTD Ones to Watch: SAOTA, South Africa

24-2-2020

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With footprints in six continents, this is one of South Africa’s most global design firms.

Driven by the dynamic combination of architects Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, and Mark Bullivant, the South African design firm has established itself as an internationally sought-after practice.

Guided by a design philosophy that connects function and form with the pursuit of true architectural expression that is derived from each project’s specificity, the SAOTA studio embodies the spirit of inquiry that allows for infinite inspiration and exploration of the latest innovations in design.

In 2019, Downtown Design hosted Philip Olmesdahl as part of the year’s Forum. Philip spoke on how design firms must re-shape in order to better leverage the fast-evolving industry landscape.

Situated on a steep site against the mountain reserve on Nettleton Road in Clifton, this house is stacked vertically with the living and pool level situated on the uppermost double volume level. The lounge floats over the pool with a feature glass floor. Bedroom and entertainment spaces are arranged on the levels below.

Double Bay, Sydney, Australia

Overlooking a sheltered bay within Sydney’s world-famous natural harbour, this family home efficiently creates private, sheltered spaces for family living, whilst maximising wide outlooks towards the water and beyond.

Private Residence, St Tropez, France

A contemporary home situated in the Ramatuelle region of St Tropez, this country house juxtaposes materials and textures which combine the raw and tactile with the slick and sophisticated to create a magical experience.

Beachyhead, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

A set of living spaces is held in a dramatic concrete box that floats over the site. Connected to a garden on the street side, the building sits above the pool level on the beachside.

Hillside, Los Angeles, United States

The views from this Los Angeles house necessitated an openness with few walls. The architecture is defined by floating, overlapping horizontal floor and roof plates curating specific view axes.